Children Search Lesson 24, Vol 4 PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE JEWISH RULERS
Text: Acts 4:1-37
Acts chapter 4 continues the story of the spread of the gospel in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8,9). It directly continues the story of Acts chapter 3. Peter and John were going to the temple to pray. They passed a man who was lame from birth sitting at the beautiful gate. Peter, through faith in the name of Jesus healed the man. This act provoked the religious rulers.
People gathered to see the wonders of God’s work. Peter then seized the opportunity to explain that the power that healed the man was from Jesus of Nazareth, whom the leaders and people of Jerusalem had crucified. He made them understand that Jesus is risen and ascended to heaven and that He is the Prophet that Moses promised would come to bless all nations of the world.
When the priest and the temple guards saw Peter and John preaching to the crowd, they arrested them. But they were too late because the people had already heard the message and thousands had believed. God has promised to be with us even to the end of the world. As you make up your mind to stand for Christ, defend the word of God and proclaim the good news, God will defend you. Never be discouraged by the attitude of unbelievers, continue to preach and pray for them. God will always be with you.
- PERSECUTION OF PETER AND JOHN (Acts 4:1–22)
The first case of persecution against the Church is described in Acts chapter 4. Apostles Peter and John were arrested and kept in prison until the next day.
- Who arrested them? The priest, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees.
- Why? Because their preaching on the resurrection of Jesus disturbed many religious leaders.
However, many of the people believed, and the number of Christians rose to about five thousand souls.
After a night in jail, Peter and John were brought before the council which included Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, and their family members (the same Jewish rulers who sentenced Jesus to death). The council threatened them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter boldly proclaimed that the healing of the lame man was through Jesus, whom they crucified but who is risen.
He declared that there is no salvation in any other name but Jesus Christ. Peter and John refused to bow to threats and said they would rather obey God than men. The rulers, defeated, released them.
Lesson: Friends of Jesus must be bold to declare the truth, even at the risk of punishment. Suffering must not be from sinful lifestyles, but from faithfulness to Christ.
- PRAYER FOR BOLDNESS (Acts 4:23–31)
After being released, Peter and John went back to fellow believers and told them what had happened. They all prayed fervently, asking for boldness to continue preaching despite persecution.
Notice: They did not curse their persecutors or call fire to consume them. The Holy Spirit gives boldness to preach, not to destroy. They prayed for God’s hand to heal, do signs, and perform wonders in Jesus’ name.
At the end of their prayer, the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued preaching with boldness.
Lesson: Prayer is necessary for the success of preaching the gospel. Prayer prepares hearts and strengthens believers in trials.
- PROGRESS AND PROMOTION IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION (Acts 4:32–37; 8:1–8)
The early church grew stronger, just like Israel in Egypt — the more they suffered, the more they multiplied.
- Unity: Believers were of one heart and soul. They shared everything in common.
- Greatness: With great power, the apostles preached the resurrection of Jesus, and great grace was upon them.
- Sacrificial Giving: Those who owned property sold them and shared with others. None lacked anything.
Lesson: Being a friend of Jesus means following Him in both comfort and persecution. Peter and John endured prison but remained steadfast.
MEMORY VERSE
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
QUESTIONS
- Who were the two disciples that were arrested?
- What was the accusation against them?
- How did these disciples respond to their accusers?
- What did the church do after the release of the disciples?
THOUGHT
I will pray and trust God in the time of persecution.
HOMEWORK
Children are to search the Scriptures and find out two people in the Bible who faced persecution and what they did.
ACTIVITY
Teacher and children should spend time to pray for endurance during persecution.
CHORUSES
- By and by when the morning comes
- The church is marching on
- When I remember what the Lord has done
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
GHS 5 – Never Give Up
DAILY BIBLE READING
- Monday: Luke 21:12–15
- Tuesday: Luke 21:16–19
- Wednesday: Matthew 5:10–12
- Thursday: John 15:18–20
- Friday: Acts 4:18–22
- Saturday: 2 Timothy 3:10–12
- Sunday: James 1:2–4
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words using a dictionary:
- Persecution
- Progress
- Multitude
- Crucified
- Salvation
